Erbitux for pancreatic cancer – pro
Erbitux is an attractive drug to investigate for panceatic cancer. Unfortunately it has generally come up short in trials. The addition of the targeted agent Erbitux® (cetuximab) to the chemotherapy combination Gemzar® (gemcitabine) and Platinol® (cisplatin) does not improve outcomes compared with chemotherapy only in advanced pancreatic cancer (Cascinu et al). It is not ecommended by NCCN or ESMO in 2011but several trials in various combiations are still ongoing.
Cascinu S, Berardi R, Labianca R, et al. Cetuximab plus gemcitabine and cisplatin compared with gemcitabine and cisplatin alone in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: a randomised, multicentre, Phase II trial. Lancet Oncology. 2008;9:39-44.S. Cascinu et al,
Pancreatic cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up Ann Oncol (2010) 21 (suppl 5): v55-v58.